From online dispatches
Selman Okumuş. Hürriyet photo
Selman Okumuş, imam of the Kılıç Ali Paşa mosque in Istanbul, was removed from duty on claims of embezzlement and “having an illegitimate relationship.”
Thirty-five-year-old Okumuş was known for delivering sermons in English and for reading from an iPad while on the minbar, broadcaster NTV reported on its website.
Turkey's Religious Affairs Directorate has appointed an investigator to look into the claims made against Okumuş. The imam has been accused of embezzling money collected by the mosque community and for having an affair out of wedlock. Another imam has been appointed to Okumuş’s post until the investigation is completed.
Okumuş holds two master's degrees and is fluent in Turkish, English, Arabic and Ottoman.
July/29/2012